Milestones in our 45-year history

Friendship Force International celebrated its 45th birthday in 2022! View the most important milestones in our history below.

1977

March 1, 1977: Founded by Wayne Smith and launched by President and Mrs. Carter at the White House

July 4, 1977: First FF experience involving 762 friendship ambassadors in a simultaneous exchange between Atlanta, USA & Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England

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1980

Introduction of the Friendship Force club system

1982

Instead of a few large chartered two-way exchanges every year, FF changes to one-way exchanges on regularly scheduled airlines.

⇒ reduction in group size (20-25 ambassadors)

⇒ worldwide expansion of the homestay program with 250-300 exchanges yearly

1985

ARMS (American Russian Mutual Survival) exchanges link the Soviet Union and the United States

1992

Nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize as a result of FF’s initiatives between the United States and the Soviet Union

1996

2,000 Olypmic athletes’ families hosted during the Summer Olypmics in Atlanta

1999

US Clubs partner with Open World

bringing emerging government and civic leaders from mostly post-Soviet countries to the United States to work with their American counterparts during 10-day professional visits

2017

Exchanges are now called Journeys

2020

Covid-19 strikes and FFI starts offering Virtual Experiences and a Pen Pal Program in addition to its homestay program

2021

Launch of the Friendship Force members-only platform at my.friendshipforce.org (myFF)

2022

Celebration of 45 years of Friendship Force International

Since its founding in 1977, the Friendship Force has brought together millions of people in friendship! 

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